The Blue Mask

Vinyl LP pressing. Digitally remastered edition of Lou Reed's 1982 album, "The Blue Mask." This was Reed's eleventh studio album, marking his return to RCA Records after leaving Arista Records. Released around Reed's 40th birthday, the album delves into themes of marriage, settling down, violence, paranoia, and alcoholism. The guitars of Reed and Robert Quine are distinctly mixed in the right and left stereo channels, with Quine using D tuning to create a unique sound. Quine's collaboration with Reed, known for his work with the Velvet Underground, adds a special touch to the album. Bassist Fernando Saunders, a longtime collaborator of Reed, contributes to the album, including notable backing vocals on tracks like "Heavenly Arms." The album features studio drummer Doane Perry, who later became a member of Jethro Tull.